Artist: Ignition Code
Title: Upgraded
Type: EP
Label: self-released

The industrial beginning of this EP tells us nothing. In fact “Upgraded” is an exercise in shifting sands. For sure, it’s heavy, and for the most part fast and driven with interwoven melodic passages. The band helpfully quote Textures, Mnemic and In Flames as influences, into which I read “complex, modern and melodic”, and recognize their self-proclaimed “distorted idea of music” as Melodic Math Death.

Is there any merit in the music? I’d say yes. Superficially anarchic, it’s full of energy, insistent brutality and interesting layers. I wasn’t so convinced by the rare slower passages, mainly on account of the singer’s voice which is more geared to aggression, but at least the slower section on “Gamegear” is the prelude to breakneck and violent climax with that melody thrown in. It’s relentless but Ignition Code are capable of nice touches such as the keyboard addition at the end of “Human B.P.M.”. The third and final track “Mikrokid” has a Hardcore feel about it, especially in the chorus, but neatly changes direction mid-track at which point it goes into a thunderously angry section.

This is better than your average Metalcore. There are ideas coming out from all angles from the Italians. It’s a shame that there is only 12 minutes of this EP, as I found it interesting and enjoyed this work of structured chaos. I hope to hear more of Ignition Code in the future.

http://www.myspace.com/ignitioncode